Is the new Celica FWD?
No — Toyota has not announced a new Celica, and there is no confirmed front-wheel-drive Celica in development.
In more detail, the Celica is a storied Toyota sports coupe whose last generation appeared in the mid-2000s. Since then, Toyota has not publicly confirmed any revival of the Celica name, and the current performance lineup emphasizes other architectures, including all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive models rather than a contemporary Celica badge. As of November 2025, there is no official roadmap or credible leak indicating a new Celica is on the way.
Current status of the Celica
The Celica’s seventh and final generation was phased out over a decade ago, and Toyota has kept the nameplate largely dormant. There are no announcements from Toyota about a comeback, and the brand’s sports-car offerings today focus on models like the GR86, GR Supra, and the GR lineup variants that prioritize different drivetrains and electrification strategies. No public plan has been shared for reviving the Celica in the near term.
Historical context
Historically a lightweight, affordable sport coupe, the Celica faced shifting market demand and rising competition in the late 2000s. Its absence from Toyota’s current lineup underscores a broader shift toward electrification and crossover appeal, rather than reviving a previous one-model halo.
Rumors and industry context
Industry chatter and enthusiast forums have intermittently fueled speculation about a Celica revival. The following points summarize the common threads and their credibility:
- Automotive outlets and fan communities have periodically claimed the Celica could return with a modern front-wheel-drive or hybrid drivetrain.
- Trademark filings and social-media activity have kept the topic alive, but none of these signals have come with official confirmation from Toyota.
- Analysts note that Toyota’s current strategy prioritizes electrified powertrains and AWD performance variants, which could influence any future Celica concept, but this remains speculative.
- There is no public roadmap or official statement from Toyota regarding a Celica revival.
In summary, while rumors persist, there is no solid evidence of a new Celica and no confirmed front-wheel-drive model as of late 2025.
Design and drivetrain considerations if revived
If Toyota decided to revive the Celica, several practical paths could be considered. A modern Celica would likely leverage Toyota’s current performance platforms, with options including front-wheel-drive or hybrid configurations for efficiency, though the brand’s GR lineup has increasingly featured all-wheel drive for sports models. A revival could emphasize a lightweight chassis, turbocharged or hybrid powertrains, and a design language aligned with Toyota’s contemporary sports cars, tailored to global markets and branding strategy.
Summary
There is no official confirmation of a new Celica, front-wheel-drive or otherwise, as of November 2025. The Celica remains a nostalgic nameplate without active revival plans, while Toyota continues to push its GR lineup and electrified models. Fans should await formal statements from Toyota for any definitive news, but for now the Celica’s return and its intended drivetrain remain uncertain.
